Look at your card and the ATM to determine if the network brand matches. For example, if you have a Visa prepaid card, you would look for ATMs that accept Visa or have the same Visa logo that is on your prepaid card. Many cards have a limit on the amount of money you can withdraw each day. Check your Cardholder Agreement to see what the limit is. [1] X Research source Visiting ATMs associated with your card will also cut down on the amount of withdrawal fees.
If you are withdrawing $20, but are required to pay a $3. 50 fee, your withdrawal amount is $23. 50.
In addition to the withdrawal fee you pay to your card issuer, the ATM owner may also charge a fee for using the ATM. If your prepaid card has in-network ATMs, you will not have to pay the additional ATM owner fee if you use one of them. If you use an out-of-network ATM, you will have to pay the fee. [4] X Trustworthy Source US Consumer Financial Protection Bureau U. S. government agency for protecting consumers in the financial sector Go to source
Some of the best prepaid debit cards are the Walmart MoneyCard, PayPal Prepaid Mastercard, Direct Express, upside Visa, Green Dot, and American Express Serve. Some of the lowest rated prepaid debit cards are the NetSpend Fee Advantage Plan, NetSpend Pay-As-you-Go Plan, and the AccountNow Gold Visa Prepaid card. These cards have higher fees compared to other cards. [6] X Research source
Activate your new prepaid credit card when it comes in the mail. You will not be able to use it until it is activated. Follow the instructions to activate your card. Typically, you will just call the number found on the sticker on the front of the card to activate it.
For some cards, you may not enter a PIN until you make your first transaction. Whatever PIN you enter will be used for future transactions as well. Make sure your PIN is a 4-digit number you can easily remember but cannot be easily guessed by others. Sequential PINs such as 1234 or 1111 can make you an easy target for identity theft if someone obtains access to your card.
Your funds should be available the same day your employer deposits them. Check with your employer and prepaid card issuer to be sure that you have completed all of the necessary paperwork. There usually are no fees for loading money through direct deposit. Direct deposit can also be used for government benefits and tax refunds.
There is usually a fee for loading cash to your card. Fees are typically between $3 and $5. Your funds should be available within minutes.
Ask your card issuer which app is compatible with your card. There may be a fee depending on how quickly you want access to your check. If you want your check available within minutes, you are more likely to pay a fee. There may not be a fee if you are willing to wait a few days. Always check the fees before you use this option.